Paul Bamba had simply etched his title into the boxing world. Since 2022, he had steadily risen to prominence and even broke Mike Tyson‘s record for the most boxing wins in one year. As a result, Bamba likely increased his earnings, net worth and overall status as a rising boxing star. But just six days after winning the world championship title, the 35-year-old suddenly died in December 2024. Bamba’s supervisor, Ne-Yo, and his household confirmed the information in a press release.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announced the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives,” the announcement from Ne-Yo and Bamba’s household learn. “He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness. But more than anything, he was a tremendous individual that inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination. We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time as we collectively navigate our grief.”
Learn extra about Bamba and his profession right here.
Who Was Paul Bamba?
Bamba was a cruiserweight and lightweight heavyweight boxer. With 18 wins by a knockout underneath his belt, the Puerto Rico native was on his option to worldwide fame. In 2022, Bamba opened up about his journey after shifting to New York City “to make it in life,” he wrote in a prolonged Instagram caption.
“When I look back and remember I had to sleep by the stove for warmth, hand wash then dry my clothes in the oven (low temps work promise) eat MANY uncomfortable sleeps for dinner — And when that wasn’t enough, live on the trains of New York City totaling 15 months (6 train & 7 at one point) — I realize I’m really just built for whatever the f**k is thrown at me, and I set my sights on [sic],” Bamba wrote.
The late fighter added that his childhood dream was to turn out to be a boxer.
“I realize I’ve always been the underdog & that’s ok, ’cause as long as I bust my ass & hold myself ACCOUNTABLE, eventually it WILL all pan out [sic],” he added. “I say that to say this: NOTHING is perfect and never will be. The time to act is always NOW, wondering what if is way more painful than struggling through the process, YOUR PROCESS. If you have a DREAM, go CHASE it. Embrace your struggle. Bet on yourself and DEFY the odds. If you’re alone like I was through some unbearable things, understand your greatest strengths lie within YOU waiting to surface!”
What Was Paul Bamba’s Net Worth?
It’s unclear the place Bamba’s internet price stands. However, boxers are inclined to make between lots of of 1000’s of {dollars} to tens of millions of {dollars} after profitable a world title, particularly towards well-known fighters. So, it’s probably that Bamba racked up just a few hundred thousand {dollars} after establishing himself as a powerful boxer. However, his actual earnings are nonetheless unknown.
In 2022, Bamba’s combat towards Tommy Fury was known as off resulting from a weight dispute. At the time, fellow boxer Jake Paul advocated for Bamba and demanded that he obtain truthful compensation.
One factor I’m by no means going to do is do enterprise with individuals who don’t deal with fighters nicely. Pay Paul Bamba. https://t.co/wWIiW1Ubcb
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 23, 2022
In an change over X, Bamba and Paul mentioned pay disparities within the boxing world. Bamba tweeted to Paul, “They don’t pay, and they treat fighters very badly. I know you won’t have the money issues with them but others will down the road. You’ll be co-signing them if you do it.”
In response to Bamba, Paul tweeted, “One thing I’m never going to do is do business with people who don’t treat fighters well. Pay Paul Bamba.”
How Did Paul Bamba Die?
Bamba’s official explanation for demise has not been publicly disclosed, however as followers grieve his loss, many are speculating about how he died.
Three months earlier than Bamba died, his match in September was canceled on the final minute resulting from an “unforeseen medical issue,” Rising Star Promotions revealed in a press release on Instagram. It’s nonetheless unclear what the well being situation was and whom RSP was referring to in its announcement.